"The Muppets" is an enjoyable, nostalgic diversion for adults and a good time for kids, who I suppose don't know the characters. I doubt that it's a reboot of the franchise, but it's a nice addition to the canon. The Muppets, now retired or working other jobs, all get together again to save the old Muppet Theater from a nefarious oil man (a suitably oily Chris Cooper) who just wants to drill, baby, and not, as he claims, to restore its former glory. Aided by super-fans Gary and Mary from the heartland (Jason Segal and Amy Adams), along with Gary's kid brother Walter, who now knows himself to be a Muppet, Kermie assembles the old gang and starts rehearsing a show to raise the money to buy out the oilman before their time runs out. Even Miss Piggy takes a break from her high fashion job to lend a hand. It's a time-honored device, and with tongue firmly in cheek, a fun one.
If the movie has a flaw, it's the surfeit of tongues in cheek, meant I guess as knowing winks to the adults in the audience. I think we're capable of getting it without the winks. Otherwise, the songs are fair to good, the dancing energetic and resolutely cheerful, and the performances are fine, by both the Muppets and the humans alike. Take the kids and enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment